Keeping Ourselves Safe

Safeguarding is everyone's business.

No organisation can flourish without sound discipline. There are very few school rules but those that exist are intended to ensure a safe and purposeful working environment in which everyone can make a positive contribution. Children are encouraged to be responsible, considerate and polite both to adults and each other. We believe any problems can be solved at an early stage if tackled by home and school together but, should persistent problems occur, corrective measures are in place. As a Rights Respecting School, we have class charters which outline the children's Rights and the respective Responsibilities that we all share.

We have three school rules: Follow instructions; keep hands, feet and objects to yourself and respect everyone and everything.

We are very proud of the fact that behaviour is outstanding at St Mary's. However, if you are worried your child is being bullied or experiencing unpleasantness, please report it to the class teacher or Headteacher as soon as possible. We have a robust policy for anti-bullying which was written in collaboration with the children, parents and Governors and take all reports seriously. For advice on bullying please visit this site: http://www.antibullying.net/

The school takes its Child Protection responsibility seriously and aims to protect and safeguard the welfare of children and young people in its care. Our ethos fosters partnership between school and parents, listening to and valuing pupils, training staff and volunteers to be aware of signs and symptoms of abuse and carrying out the correct procedures, maintaining a safe school environment, and working in partnership with other agencies in this area. The Designated Senior Lead with regard to child protection is Miss E Grunnill so please speak to her should you wish to know more about these procedures or see a copy of the school’s Child Protection Policy. Our first priority is your child’s welfare and therefore there may be occasions when our concern about your child means that we have to consult other agencies before we contact you. The Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Area Child Protection Committee have determined the procedures we follow.

Equally, we are also committed to policies that promote equality of opportunity, positive attitudes to cultural diversity, the elimination of racial discrimination and safeguarding children. The policies for Equal Opportunity and Racial Equality and the plans for Disability Equality and Accessibility are available from the School Office.